Rodgers made retirement admission before New York Jets injury fears confirmed

12 September 2023 , 17:15

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Aaron Rodgers said he wanted to play football into his 40s shortly before tearing his Achilles (Image: Getty)

Aaron Rodgers had no plans to retire following the 2023 NFL season, insisting that he didn't want his spell at the New York Jets to be "one-and-done".

However, the 39-year-old Hall of Famer's future in football was thrown into doubt on Monday night after he tore his left Achilles just four snaps into his Jets debut against the Buffalo Bills. Rodgers was sacked by the Bills' Leonard Floyd as the freak injury occurred.

Speaking ahead of the season, Rodgers was honest and open about his retirement plans, admitting he felt confident in his ability to keep playing for a few more years than he once believed possible.

He said: "I think if you would’ve asked me five, six years ago, I would've said probably not. But with the change that’s happened and some of the changes off the field I’ve made, I definitely see that now as a possibility where before I just didn’t think I’d want to, honestly.

"I’d love to play a few years here, not sure if that few is two, or three or … I mean, five would kind of get me to 45. But I definitely don’t want to be a one-and-done here."

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Those feelings may now have changed after MRI scans have now confirmed that Rodgers' 2023 season is over. Responsibility has fallen back on Zach Wilson, who was gearing up for a season or more of being Rodgers' backup to watch and learn, and ultimately improve his game to fulfil the potential that earned him the second-overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.

A decision on whether Rodgers calls it quits on his stellar 18-year career isn't expected to be made in the immediate future. Ex-NFL punter-turned-TV host, Pat McAfee says that Rodgers will not want his career to end off the back of the Achilles tear.

"One thing nobody talks about is how miserable rehab is after surgeries," McAfee said on ESPN. "It is not fun. It is lonely days, it is painful days, you got to live in hope and optimism as opposed to the present."

Rodgers was sacked by the Bills' Leonard Floyd (Getty)

He added: "It is devastating to hear that it's been officialised that he did tear his Achilles. I understand what everybody's saying about he's 39 - there's a chance that he views this as a sign from the universe.

"He's always wanted to remain with one team, now he goes to the Jets, four plays in and it ended quickly. Maybe he'll think it's a sign from the universe.

"But if you listen to his talk about football and his love for the sport, and his competitive driver; I'm not sure he's gonna want to go out like that."

Joshua Mbu